Miguel Garcia, the founder of THR News, breaks down the critical state of tobacco harm reduction (THR) in Mexico. Facing a "rain of disinformation" and a constitutional prohibition on vaping, Miguel explains why providing evidence-based information is more than a choice - it's a necessity for public health.
Transcription:
00:00 - 00:16
[Host]
Uncovering the stories that matter with a brand new lens. Welcome to GFN Insights, right here on GFN TV. Today we're speaking with Miguel Garcia, discussing the launch of THR News as a response to the incredible reign of disinformation regarding tobacco harm reduction in Mexico.
00:18 - 00:21
[Zuzanna Kopacz]
Miguel, what inspired you to create THR News?
00:24 - 01:18
[Miguel Garcia]
It is not so much an inspiration that I have had, but a necessity. Unfortunately in my country there is a prohibition at the constitutional level on the use of vaping, but that I see it as the consequence, I do not see it as the problem in reality. The problem is that people are not informed. There is an incredible rain of misinformation, not only by the government, but also by different interests in our country. Unfortunately, it is being equated with fentanyl. And if today we cannot exercise our freedom to be able to choose to have a better health, the freedom to be able to choose what you want to do with your body, the freedom to be able to determine to have a better life, it has been because people are not informed. There is a very strong need to break all those myths, that disinformation, and that people realize that they are free to choose about their body and that they can decide.
01:18 - 01:31
[Zuzanna Kopacz]
What are you trying to change in how people in Mexico understand harm reduction through this project?
01:32 - 02:00
[Miguel Garcia]
Well, I'm not looking to change anyone. What I'm looking for is to provide information. Each person has to have the freedom to choose what to do with their person, what to do with their body, what to do with their health. It's not looking to change, but looking to contribute. To be able to give them knowledge, scientific bases, bases with evidence, so that people with good information can determine whether or not to have a better life. It depends on them, but if they can give them the true information.
02:01 - 02:07
[Zuzanna Kopacz]
And what are the most common misconceptions about vaping and nicotine in Mexico that you came across?
02:08 - 02:52
[Miguel Garcia]
Everything you can imagine. I think that with what I have learned in different parts of the world, Mexico is one of those that has overflowed. I mean, we can talk about how they are equating nicotine with fentanyl. I mean, it's something totally crazy. I mean, it's like saying that a car is the same as a bicycle. I mean, they are totally different things. Not because they deceive you, Thank you Miguel.